BRITAIN’S biggest public sector union look set to accept the Government’s final offer on NHS pensions, but civil servants vowed to carry on fighting last night.

The deal could see most public sector unions accepting some concessions which could avert a future mass walkout in New Year.

Unison said their health executive would vote the government’s offer on January 10 after “detecting a glimmer of a breakthrough”.

Under the proposals, those less than ten years away from retirement would not face any change to their pension, and those earning less than £26,000 would be protected from an increase in contributions next year.

Also included is a pledge to consult over the impact of these changes on staff in the emergency services - including paramedics - as well as a commitment to Fair Deal.

This allows those transferred out of the public sector to retain their right to stay in the pension scheme.

Christina McAnea, Unison’s head of health, said: “This is the final offer.

“On some issues, such as contribution rates for the low paid next year, and for people close to retirement, we have made progress.

“On others, we always knew this would be a damage limitationexercise – aimed at reducing the worst impacts of the government’s pension changes.

“We’ve always believed public sector workers deserve decent pensions, and our members have shown they are willing to take action to defend these.”

But the 290,000-strong Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said “nothing had changed” since last month’s TUC-organised Day of Action.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Nothing has changed since two million public sector workers were on strike on November 30 and we continue to oppose the Government’s attempt to force public servants to pay more and work longer for less.

“It is uncontested that all the public sector pension schemes are affordable now and in the future.

“Public servants should not be forced to pay off a budget deficit caused by the greed and recklessness of bankers and exacerbated by the Tory-led government’s economic incompetence.”

Prospect, the second largest civil service union, said they were giving a green light to further talks, adding they were ruling out further action while the negotiations on a new scheme are under way.

The union will also take the details back to their membership-led health committee, which is due to meet on January 10.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said a deal for teachers was unlikely to be on the table before Christmas.

He added: “Talks continue and are particularly tense with looming, artificial deadlines.

“It is important to remember that unions are democratic organisations – no deal of this magnitude can be completed behind closed doors.

“Any outcomes, and there is no proposal on the table yet, will have to go to members and union executives.”

Yesterday, a series meetings between union leaders and government departments across Whitehall were held in an attempt to reach agreement on the future of four schemes.

They cover local government workers, NHS staff, civil servants and teachers.

Britain’s 4.5million council workers are also likely to support a delay in raising their pension payments for two to three years when it would be reviewed again.